A/N- Finally found some time to update. I have a new job and life is crazy but I will complete this story if it kills me. Thanks for all the PM's, especially from Skeeter and hopeformore. The reviews are amazing too. And thank you to my beta.
This is over 9000 words of fluff and a little lower rated smut, and for that I make no apologies.
I was going to move this on a few weeks in the next chapter, but if people want a honeymoon chapter I'd be happy to add it in and try to not leave it so long to update next time. Let me know in a review.
Disclaimer- I've not only stolen Mr and Mrs Bates, I've also used some of Lord Fellowes quotes in this one. Sorry Julian. Nothing belongs to me.
After meeting Charles who was following Robert in his car, everyone was on their way to Scotland. John was quiet on the journey, nervous for what was hopefully to come the following day. Madison monopolised the conversation as they grew closer to the Scottish border, Robert trying to do his best to keep the little ones entertained whilst John faded into a world of his own.
'Granddad is still behind us,' Milo remarked, turning around in his seat to see Charles's relatively modest hatchback keep up with Robert's four by four.
'That's good to know, Milo,' Robert replied, 'it's not like I have about three mirrors that could give me that information.'
'Are we nearly in Scotland, Uncle Robert?' Madison asked, Robert glancing at John who was finding the scenery whizzing by seemingly mesmerising.
'I don't know Maddie,' Robert emphasised his next words, hoping to draw John from his reverie. 'I may have taken the wrong junction and we'll end up spending the weekend in Newcastle. I hear it's beautiful this time of year.'
John turned his head to regard his friend. 'I thought you said you knew where you were going.'
'Oh, he is with us kids,' Robert looked at the two young people in the back in his rear view mirror. 'I thought the blur of trees outside was more interesting than conversing with your children and your best man.'
'Sorry, I have a lot on my mind.' John sat up in his seat, stretching his long legs as he did so. 'I'm here.'
'Are you nervous, Daddy?'
Looking over his shoulder, John furrowed his brow as he questioned his daughter. 'Where did you learn a word like that?'
'Anna said it on our hen day,' Madison shrugged, fiddling with the belt keeping her strapped into her car seat. 'She said she felt a bit nervous because of the wedding.'
John offered Robert a worried glance. 'What? Nervous about marrying Daddy?'
'No silly,' Madison giggled. 'About having to speak in front of lots of people. But I said I would hold her hand and she would be alright.'
Robert nodded his head and smiled as he looked at the road ahead, John's fears dissipating a little. 'Well, that's to be expected.'
'Granddad is still behind us,' Milo said once more, apparently more concerned with making sure his grandfather was still following them than joining in the conversation in the car.
'Good stuff, mate,' John acknowledged his hopefully soon to be step son before focussing on the countryside they were driving through once more.
'Can we have some music, please?' Madison asked, Robert sighing as he heard the question he had been dreading.
'I don't have anything you'd like, my Darling,' Robert replied, 'unless you would like to acquaint yourself with the music of Brian Ferry or Don Henley?'
'No, its okay.' Madison fiddled with the bag on the seat between her and Milo. 'I brought the iPod Aunty Cora got me for Christmas. You just need to plug the lead into the radio.'
'I don't think I have the socket for that,' Robert laughed uncomfortably, trying to find a way out of his predicament.
'She won't buy that,' John muttered under his breath.
'I can see it, at the side next to the big red button,' Madison lurched her arm forward, iPod in hand. John smirked at his friend before taking the device from his daughter. 'Just plug the white lead in, Daddy.'
John did as he was told, Robert rolling his eyes. Turning on the radio and switching the output to USB, John began to search through the iPod, Madison waiting patiently in the back.
'What do we fancy then? Disney's Greatest Hits? Kids Party? '
'Just click shuffle, Daddy.'
Following his daughter's instruction, John placed the iPod in the cup holder beside him as the opening music of a song familiar to both him and his Madison began to fill the speakers in the car.
'The snow glows bright on the mountain tonight, not a footprint to be seen. A Kingdom of isolation, and it looks like I'm the Queen…'
'It had to be,' John smiled, finding Robert's discomfort amusing.
'Yeah, what a coincidence.'
Madison's singing voice was in full flow now. 'Don't let them in, don't let them see, be the good girl you always have to be…'
'Granddad is still behind us,' Milo said once more, turned around in his seat.
'Let it go, let it go…'
'That's brilliant, Milo,' Robert sighed, Madison really getting into the swing of her performance whilst John chuckled beside him in the front. 'Just brilliant.'
'Do you think she has any idea?' Elsie asked Cora as they waited for the younger members of their party to join them in the restaurant of the hotel. Luckily, they were sharing a room a couple of doors down from Anna's, so could talk about the events that were hopefully to unfold the next day without fear of giving anything away.
'Not a one,' Cora replied, 'I just hope the boys can pull it off. I haven't known them be able to arrange so much as a barbecue without something going wrong.'
Elsie's eyes went wide. 'Really?'
'Well, one year we had to call the fire brigade,' Cora started to explain before recognising the fear in Elsie's gaze. She shook her head. 'But that's another story for another day. Look, here come the girls.'
Anna, Mary, Sybil and Phyllis were conversing intently as they entered the restaurant, the eldest Crawley daughter looking up to survey their surroundings and no doubt to locate the two elder women in their group. Cora waved and caught Mary's attention.
'Hello hello,' Mary said as they approached, 'what a lovely hotel this is.'
'It really is, you girls have spoiled me,' Anna remarked as she sat down next to her mother. She picked up a menu. Knowing glances were exchanged as to who the real protagonist was, which went unnoticed by the bride to be. 'I am famished, what looks good?'
After all deciding to share the seafood platter together, like with most hen nights, conversation soon turned to the men in their lives. Mary explained how happy she was with Matthew, Sybil gushed about Tom, still enjoying the first flushes of romance. Phyllis was rather less open about her relationship with Joseph, but admitted she regretted not giving in to his advances sooner. Elsie and Cora both offered glowing references of their husbands, even if the latter did add hers could be an idiot sometimes.
'And what about John then, Anna?' Mary asked, helping herself to a piece of the complimentary bread they had been served. 'When did you realise he was the one?'
A smile immediately overtook Anna's features as she thought about her intended. 'I don't know. From the beginning, no man had ever made me feel the way he does.' She met her mother's eye. 'To be fair, my only point of reference was Ryan.'
'He was a good father, even though he didn't know how to treat you until it was too late,' Elsie replied. 'But you never smiled with Ryan as much as you did when you met John. The spark that had been missing since your late teens was back. Me and your Dad both saw it.'
'He's just wonderful,' Anna cooed, fiddling with her engagement ring. 'And a brilliant father. I think that was what attracted me to him initially. What he took on, the commitment he made to Madison, not many men would have done that.'
'He is special,' Cora remarked, the person who had known him the longest agreeing with Anna's words. 'When Vera left him, he was scared. But he vowed he would be the best Daddy he possibly could be to that little girl. And God knows, he has been. There were a few teething problems but his natural paternal instinct took over and he proved himself equal to the task. Madison adores him and he her. It's been wonderful to see that bond grow and develop. You've picked a fine father to any future children you may have, Anna.'
'I know,' Anna responded weakly, her voice breaking as the realisation of how lucky she was overtook her. Tears shimmered in her eyes.
'Right, I won't have the bride crying on her hen night,' Mary announced, rising to her feet. 'Sybil has the plastic willy straws in her bag, I say we head to that pub we saw on the way here and get sloshed.'
Half ready for his role as groom in his white dress shirt and blue tartan patterned trousers, John watched hands in pockets as Charles loaded the car with essentials Anna would need for the day ahead. Madison and Milo were helping him, Milo and Charles were wearing the navy blue tartan three piece suits the groom and the male members of the wedding party would be wearing. They were chosen in a nod to Elsie's Scottish heritage and even more significant now considering the circumstances. Madison was looking absolutely beautiful in an ivory dress with navy sash John prayed she wouldn't get dirty between now and the ceremony.
He felt nervous. This was actually happening and right now he was praying with every fibre of his being Anna wouldn't take badly to his idea. She hated being kept in the dark, but at least he hadn't lied. Deep down he knew she would probably be touched at his efforts, but everything just seemed too perfect. Things like this didn't happen to him, John Bates wasn't meant to get the girl. But in a couple of weeks they would be promising their lives to each other anyway, hopefully Anna would agree to become his sooner than she had been anticipating.
'Right, we're all set,' Charles announced, clasping his hands together after he had shut the boot. 'Let's go and say goodbye to John, shall we?'
'I'm already here,' John announced, stepping onto the gravel driveway and walking towards the three people who had been under his intense observation. 'Now you know where their hotel is.'
'Yes John.'
'And the times of everything. The car, flowers and…'
'John relax,' Charles placed a hand on John's shoulder. 'It's all under control. Come on then kids, lets get in the car shall we?'
'Can I just have a minute?' John asked, pointing towards Madison and Milo.
'Alright,' Charles nodded, offering John his hand to shake. 'Good luck.'
'Let me know when Anna knows. I have something I'd like to send to her.'
Nodding, Charles walked back into the hotel leaving John alone with Madison and Milo. He took both of their hands in his and lead them to the edge of the gravel before crouching down so he could speak to them on their level.
'Now, you be helpful when you get to Mummy,' he straightened Milo's blue tie as he spoke, 'and let her know how much I love her.'
'Is she going to put on her pretty white dress, Daddy?'
'God willing, little one and I need you two to be well behaved whilst everyone gets ready. Aunty Cora and Nanny will be there too.'
'We will be, John,' Milo assured him.
'And you have the gift for Mummy,' John asked, patting where the breast pocket of Milo's suit would be.
'I'll look after it, I promise.'
'Good man,' John smiled, then he took each of them into his embrace. 'I love you both so much and I'll see you later.'
'Time to go.' Charles booming voice caused John to lift his gaze, Robert standing beside the elder man. John rose to his feet. 'Come on kids, let's get the show on the road.'
'Bye Daddy and Uncle Robert,' Madison called as she skipped happily behind Charles. Once they were safely in the car, John watched as they drove away. Lost in his thoughts, the feel of Robert's hand on his shoulder startled John somewhat. Robert smiled warmly at his friend, John glad more than ever for the presence of his best man at his side.
'Come on, lets go and get ready.'
Elsie and Cora stood at the entrance to the hotel they were staying at, willing for Charles car to pull into the car park. Anna had been unaware of John's intentions for far too long and they couldn't wait until the secret was revealed. Just as Elsie was about to suggest calling John to see if Charles was on his way, his car appeared at the end of the driveway.
'Thank God for that,' Elsie breathed to Cora as they both watched the car pull up in front of them.
'Bloody hell,' Charles exclaimed as he got out of the car, 'we got stuck behind a flaming tractor.'
'It's alright, you're here now,' Elsie tried to calm him with her soothing tones, Cora moving to get the children out of the car. She eyed him from head to toe. 'You look very smart. I love the pattern in the suit.'
'For your benefit,' Charles explained, giving his wife a twirl. 'Milo has the same.'
'Aww Milo, you look absolutely gorgeous.'
'Do you like my dress?' Madison asked Elsie as she ran to them from her side of the car.
'My, don't you look a picture? Beautiful.' Elsie brushed Madison's cheek softly with her index finger. 'Have you got the dress?'
'No, we left it at home. She'll have to get married in what she wore up here.'
'Now is not the time for jokes, Charles Carson,' Elsie scolded him as she moved towards the car, opening the boot and retrieving the dress.
'Right, lets get this plan in action, shall we?' Cora suggested, taking Milo and Madison by the hand.
They walked in silence to where Anna was. This was it. There was no going back as they reached the door to Anna's room. Elsie turned to regard her husband, her tone a whisper.
'Me and Cora will go back in, then if you wait for a few seconds before knocking on the door.'
'Right,' Charles nodded, taking the dress back from Elsie.
'Good luck,' Cora murmured, smiling at the two children whose excitement at seeing Anna was building. Charles encouraged the children to step back a couple of paces with him as Elsie and Cora re entered the room.
Anna was sitting in the centre of the bed, looking through brochures that detailed the spa treatments the hotel offered. She had noticed everyone seemed a little on edge, although couldn't fathom why. They were staying at a spa, they were meant to be relaxing.
'I think we should go for massages this morning,' Anna announced as Mary rushed by her towards the bathroom, clutching on to her cosmetics case. Mary obviously hadn't heard, or had chosen not to. 'Mary, I said we should get a massage.'
'What?' Mary said when she returned from the bathroom.
'Nothing,' Anna shook her head before looking up to see her mother and Cora had returned to the room. 'Where have you two been?'
Out of Anna's eye line, Mary was gesturing a thumbs up, to find out if Charles and the kids had arrived. Cora nodded, causing Anna to turn her head and look at Mary who exaggerated a smile in response.
'Okay, that's it. Everyone is acting weird.' Anna moved off the bed, pointing at Phyllis and Sybil by the mirror. 'Those two have been doing their hair for far too long, we're at a spa for goodness sake. You're meant to relax, chill out. Surely we can go one day without hair straighteners?' Just then, there was a knock at the door. Anna regarded her mother who was standing right next to the door but not making an attempt to answer it. 'Mum, the door?'
'Maybe you should get it, Darling.'
Anna's expression was incredulous. 'Are you serious? You are standing right there.'
Cora shrugged. 'The room is in your name.'
'Oh my God,' Anna exclaimed, crossing the room past her mother towards the door. She opened the door and was struck dumb as to what awaited her on the other side. She brought a hand to her mouth, noticing her wedding dress draped over Charles arm, suddenly feeling completely confused.
'Hello Mummy,' Milo said, beaming to see his mother again.
'Hello Baby,' Anna replied, placing a hand on Milo's shoulder as she looked at her father, her brow creased. 'Why have you got my dress? Why are you here? Is John alright?'
'He will be, if you agree to become his wife at one o clock this afternoon.'
'What?' Anna gasped, struggling to grasp what was happening. Then things began to start making sense. The frantic state everyone had been in this morning, the clothes bags Cora had unloaded from her car. The sudden change in venue. She looked over her shoulder into the room, looking at each of her hens in turn. 'You were all in on this, weren't you?'
Elsie nodded. 'It was all John's idea, he has planned everything down to the last detail. You're getting married at Gretna Green this afternoon, if you agree of course.'
'But why?' Anna stepped aside to allow Charles, Madison and Milo to step into the room. After handing the dress to Cora, Charles began to type a message on his phone
'Because Daddy wants to marry you so much,' Madison informed her. 'Please say yes, Anna.'
Still in a state of complete shock and confusion, Anna sat on the edge of the bed, trying to make sense of everything. 'So he cancelled everything back home so we could get married at Gretna Green?'
'Yes,' Cora confirmed Anna's suspicions. 'He and Robert have changed all the plans so this could happen today.'
Anna's message alert filled the room, she looking back towards her phone on the bedside table.
'That will be John,' Charles informed his daughter. 'He asked me to text him once you knew.'
Leaning across the bed to reach her phone, Anna opened the message notification. There was a video accompanied by a message asking Anna to watch in private. 'He's sent me a video, and wants me to watch it alone.'
'Why don't you sit on the balcony and watch?' Elsie suggested, 'hear what he's got to say.'
Without another word, Anna stepped though the open glass door and slid it back across when she was outside, giving her a modicum of privacy on the balcony. Her mind was moving at a hundred miles an hour, she couldn't get her head around what was happening. They had agreed on a small ceremony back home and she was more than happy with that. Sitting on one of the chairs, she pressed play on the video hoping John's explanation could make things clearer for her.
'Hello Sweetheart. So I'm guessing you've now found out about my surprise.' John began, Anna smiling weakly recognising John must have recorded the video in secret at home, seeing the headboard to their bed in the background. 'You see, a registry office ceremony just didn't sit right with me. Someone as extraordinary as you deserves so much more than an ordinary wedding. And if it's not your dream wedding in Cyprus, it had to be something else that was special.'
'God, John,' Anna breathed, looking out over the loch below her balcony before his words caught her attentions again.
'I've never known a love like this, Anna. We've waited so long, I just want to be able to call you my wife. And besides, even though it has been fun, I think we've lived in sin for far too long.' Anna laughed at that. She believed her mind was made up. 'So how about it? Be my wife, Anna. Please. Hopefully I'll see you at one. I love you.'
And with those words, the video ended and Anna wiped away a tear she hadn't realised had fallen down her cheek. How could she refuse him? If Anna had had her way, they would have been married already. Four hours wait to be John's wife felt so much better than two more weeks. Rising to her feet, Anna made her way back into the room, all eyes trained in on her as she made her entrance.
'Well?' Elsie asked, 'what do you say?'
Anna shrugged, 'I say we best get started, we only have four hours to get ready.'
Cheers erupted around the room, Madison running towards Anna and hugging her legs. Anna bent down to wrap an arm around the little girl as everyone set into action around them.
'Mummy.' Anna looked at her son as he approached her with a blue box. Anna knelt down to listen to what Milo had to say, Madison staying beside her. 'This is for you, to wear for today.'
'It's from Daddy, Milo and me,' Madison added. 'Daddy said it was new and the case is blue and that's good luck.'
'Ahh, right,' Anna caught on to Madison's meaning. 'Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.'
'Your something old and borrowed will be revealed later,' Elsie said, having overheard the conversation. Anna and the children now had the attention of the whole room.
'John could be the something old,' Mary suggested in jest, earning her a dig in the ribs from her mother.
'Oh you two,' Anna said as she revealed a silver heart pendant encrusted in diamonds on a silver chain. 'It's beautiful. Thank you so much.'
'Daddy said we should get a heart because you are his sweetheart.'
'Well, I think your Daddy has thought of everything,' Elsie said with a smile in her voice. 'Let's get on though, shall we? Your transport shall be here promptly at a quarter to one.'
After taking up a last minute cancellation, John was to marry Anna in the Blacksmith's Coach House over the anvil at Gretna. There would only be a handful of guests in a venue that could hold many more than those that would be present today but John didn't mind that. A big, lavish affair simply wasn't them and everyone they loved most in the world would be there.
Standing outside, John and Robert welcomed their guests as they arrived, Matthew, Tom and Joseph having travelled up that morning to be at the wedding. Both the groom and his best man were complimented on their appearance, wearing the same tartan suits as Milo and Charles.
As the time moved closer to one, John couldn't put words to the relief he felt as he saw Elsie and Cora walking towards him, Mary, Phyllis and Sybil walking behind them. They were all laughing together, hopefully that was a good sign. The next thing he felt was Robert nudging him in the ribs.
'Stand up straight, here come the ladies.'
'Well, don't you scrub up well,' Cora exclaimed, leaning up on tip toes to place a kiss on Robert's cheek, before doing the same to John.
'Thank you,' Robert replied, 'and well, John tried.'
'I meant John as well,' Cora gently chided.
'Is Anna alright?' John was quick to ask, Elsie touching a hand to his elbow.
'She was, but we were all shocked at the choice of transportation you had chosen. You told us it was a car.'
'I didn't want to reveal everything,' John shrugged. 'Her something old and borrowed. Was it a nice surprise?'
'Well, Madison was very excited to be riding in a horse and carriage,' Mary explained, remembering the scenes at the hotel before they left. 'And Anna cried again upon seeing it.'
John's expression turned to one of concern. 'What do you mean again?'
'Don't listen to her, John,' Cora huffed impatiently, ushering her daughters inside, Phyllis behind them. 'They were tears of joy.'
'She's very happy,' Elsie assured her future son in law, Robert following his family inside assuming she wanted a moment alone with the groom, 'and for that I cannot express my gratitude.'
'It's been my pleasure. Your daughter is a wonderful person, Elsie. I can't imagine my life without her now.'
'Just look after her, make her happy. That's all I ask.'
'Her happiness and safety shall always be my main concern, as will Milo's.'
Elsie nodded, wrapping her hand around John's forearm. 'Thank you.'
Walking inside, John moved to the top of the aisle to stand beside his best man. It wasn't long before the registrar was indicating for his assistant to begin playing the music John had requested be playing when Anna walked down the aisle. Everyone gathered stood as the opening notes of their song echoed around the room.
'Yes I do, I believe, that one day I will be where I was, right there, right next to you…'
Madison and Milo appeared first. John couldn't believe this was finally happening. His whole world was about to walk up the aisle towards him, and he found the moment rather overwhelming. He could feel the stinging of tears in his eyes as the children moved closer to him, clenching his jaw in an attempt to keep his emotions at bay.
However, Anna appeared and suddenly John could no longer hide the way he was feeling. A tear rolled down his cheek as he took in the sight of his bride, she looked absolutely stunning and for a moment John couldn't catch his breath. Then she met his gaze and she smiled, and the relief flooding through him was one of the immense sensations he had ever experienced. The song that meant so much to the bride and groom continued to play as she grew ever closer to him, making the moment even more emotional.
'Can I lay by your side, next to you, you. And make sure you're alright. I'll take care of you, and I don't want to be here if I can't be with you tonight…'
As the children reached his side, John leant down to wrap each of them in his arms. It was their day too, the day they all officially became a family and John didn't want the importance of this occasion for them to be overlooked. After releasing them from his hold, Madison and Milo went to sit with Elsie, leaving John free to greet his bride.
Charles placed a kiss on Anna's cheek before joining his wife. John couldn't take his eyes from her, his heart thundering in his chest.
'Hello,' he managed to choke as he ran his gaze over her, that overwhelming feeling he had felt when she appeared still affecting him.
'Hi,' she murmured back in reply, a beautiful smile appearing on her face that reached her eyes.
'You got my message then?'
'I did,' Anna nodded her head as she clasped the fingers of her right hand around his left, 'you are certainly a dark horse, Mr Bates. Arranging all this without telling me.'
He gripped tightly onto her hand, brushing away a tear with his other hand. 'You don't mind, do you?'
'Mind? I'd give you a slap if I didn't want to marry you so much I could burst.' John chuckled at that, offering her a sly wink that made her knees weaken. They turned to face the registrar, however Anna spoke again before the registrar could begin. 'By the way, I want another hen night seeing as technically, I haven't had a proper one yet.'
'Oh, I think we can arrange that.'
The ceremony was beautiful, everything that John and Anna could wish for. As they recited their vows to one another, John had never meant anything more as the words he was speaking to Anna. The moment they were pronounced man and wife would be one that would live with the both of them for as long they lived, applause all around them as they sealed the promise they had made to one another with their first kiss as a married couple.
'We did it,' Anna murmured as the kiss ended, she resting a hand on his cheek. 'I am finally your wife, and you are my husband, Mr Bates.'
'You are and I am. I love you, Mrs Bates.' John whispered to her, resting his forehead against hers. 'For the rest of my days.'
They exchanged one more brief kiss before turning to regard their congregation, encouraging Madison and Milo to walk towards them. Elsie helped the two children move forward so they could share the moment with their parents. John scooped Madison into one of his arms, Anna lifting Milo into hers before John wrapped his free arm around his wife and her son.
'Are you my Mummy now, Anna?' Madison asked, causing the newlyweds to erupt in laughter.
'Yes, I guess I am,' Anna answered, pressing a kiss to Madison's temple. 'And very happy to be so as well.'
They were a proper family at last.
After the relevant documents were signed and pictures were taken, the horse and carriage took Anna and John back to the hotel in which Anna had stayed the night previously. Neither could believe it was finally official, they were husband and wife. John was stroking the metal of Anna's wedding band as he held her hand, to remind himself it wasn't a dream.
'I hope Madison wasn't too disappointed when she was told she couldn't come in the carriage this time,' Anna remarked, thinking about the little girl they had left behind, close to tears at the wedding venue. She looked at John's shoulder, brushing a piece of lint away that she found there.
'Her iPod is hooked up in Robert's car, and with Cora in the car too she'll make sure he'll play it. She'll be fine.'
Nodding in acknowledgement, Anna narrowed her gaze on John. 'So when did you decide on all this, Mr Bates?'
John shrugged. 'I was just talking to Robert one day. I wanted you to have something extra special and romantic to look back on, and what's more romantic than Gretna Green?'
'Well, I'm very touched, it was a wonderful surprise.'
'Are you sure?' John asked, meeting her eye. 'I was worried you might not take too kindly to not being involved in the decision making.'
'No one has ever done something like this for me before, that someone would takes my breath away.'
'I'd do anything for you Anna.'
She released a trembling breath upon hearing his words, reaching out a hand to caress his cheek. 'I know you would. And I love you for it. So much.'
'And I love you.'
One of the smaller function rooms back at Anna's hotel had been reserved for a reception dinner, another surprise Anna hadn't been expecting. A three course meal had been prepared for all the guests, Anna's favourite of roast beef on the menu. Once their food was eaten, it was suggested the three main men said a few words.
Charles stood first, retrieving a piece of paper from his breast pocket. 'Hello everyone, and as you know I am the father of the bride, and a very proud father I am today. I'd like to begin on a solemn note, by mentioning Anna's biological parents. What happened was a tragedy, but I truly believe they had a hand in showing Anna to myself and Elsie. She needed that stability in her life only a parent can bring, we needed someone who we could offer that unconditional love that only exists between a parent and their child. We love you so much Anna, and I hope the love and care we have shown you has gone some way to filling the void that your parents left when they passed away.'
'Oh Dad,' Anna stood and wrapped her arms around Charles's shoulders. 'You have done so much more than that. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you and Mum.'
'Charles Carson, you promised you wouldn't make me cry today,' Elsie said, a small ripple of laughter breaking the emotion that had been charged following Charles's poignant words. Anna sat back down, waiting to hear what else her father had to say.
'Not only has Anna grown into a beautiful young woman who makes us proud every day, she also gave us the gift of a grandson, Milo. He lights up all of our lives and we love him dearly. But now she has married John, not only have we gained a son, we have also gained a granddaughter in Madison. On behalf of myself and Elsie, we'd like to welcome them both into our family.'
'Thank you, Charles,' John bowed his head.
'Look after your new family John, or you'll have me to deal with.'
'Duly noted,' John replied, before pressing a kiss to Anna's cheek.
'So all's that left for me to do, is toast the brand new Mr and Mrs Bates,' Charles rose his glass. 'Mr and Mrs Bates.'
'Mr and Mrs Bates.'
'As is traditional,' Robert announced, tapping on his glass with a fork. 'It is now time for the groom to say a few words.'
Rising to his feet, John kept hold of Anna's hand as he spoke. He lifted a hand to acknowledge those gathered before beginning.
'Well, well, well. What can I say on a day like today? I have just married the love of my life and to be honest I am finding it all a little overwhelming. The fact that Anna looked at me twice still baffles me..'
'It does us all,' Robert interrupted, resulting in a hard stare from John.
'As I was saying,' John continued, but not before throwing a rolled up napkin at his best man, 'now she is my wife and has promised her life to me I realise what a lucky man I am. Before she came along, I was more than content to be a Daddy and share my days with the other beautiful lady in my life, Madison. But you and Milo came along and showed us what we didn't realise we had been missing. You complete me, you and Milo complete us and now we're officially a family it's more than I could have dreamed.'
'You charmer, Bates,' Robert murmured with a broken voice, brushing away a tear from his eye.
'And Milo,' John found Milo in the crowd, garnering his attention. 'I want you to know I am here for you in whatever way you want me to be. I am so proud to be your step dad, I really am. And Maddie, you know how much Daddy loves you and how proud he is of you. I hope you are happy with what has happened. Thank you for being my reason to live these past five years, and to both you and Milo for being the reason I met my beautiful wife. I'll always be thankful to the two of you for that.'
'We both will,' Anna agreed, running a hand up and down John's forearm.
Looking at Anna and smiling, John decided he had said all he needed to. 'Thank you everyone for coming up here on short notice and for all your help. It means a great deal.'
Those gathered showed their appreciation for their groom as he took his seat once more, exchanging a smile with his bride. Robert was already standing up, ready to talk about his best friend
'Don't worry, this will be short and sweet,' Robert began, taking a handful of cue cards from his trouser pocket. 'I've already been best man for John once, and clearly I did such an amazing job he got married again, just to see me in action once more.'
'Yeah, that would be it,' John rolled his eyes, Vera the furthest thing from his mind today until now.
'He's such an amazing bloke, and it's ironic I am the best man today because he is, hands down, the best man I have ever met in my life. He's a wonderful father to the gorgeous Maddie. Being her model whilst she paints his nails all shades of pink, feigning interest in Disney Princesses when he'd much rather be watching Iron Man, turning up for a rare lads night out with Peppa Pig hair slides in his hair. The ease in which John accepts all this just goes to show what a monumental task he took on and how he has excelled at it. Not many men would have done it. Myself and Cora have supported you, but really it's been all you. I don't know how you've made raising her single handedly to this point look so easy.'
'I couldn't have done it without you and Cora,' John remarked, looking at Cora sitting opposite him. 'You've been more help to me than you'll ever know.'
'Well, it's been a pleasure but now you have that support all the time. You have the person who can now take over the nail painting baton, Anna and you also have someone to watch superhero flicks with, Milo. I think everyone would agree when I say the four of them are the perfect fit. So I'd like to raise a toast,' Robert lifted his glass. 'To John, Anna, Madison and Milo.'
'John, Anna, Madison and Milo.'
'And now I believe the groom has something he would like to reveal.'
'Oh God, Anna isn't expecting a baby is she?' Mary said aloud, causing Madison to gasp.
'Are you having a baby, Mummy?' Milo asked, Anna shaking her head before glaring at Mary.
'No Baby, I don't actually know what John has to say.'
'Well, thanks to our kind friends and family agreeing to take care of Madison and Milo for us, we shall be spending three nights in a hotel at Loch Lomond.'
'A honeymoon,' Anna gasped, surprised after the two of them agreed they wouldn't have one a few weeks previously. John nodded. 'Oh John, that sounds wonderful.'
'Not that you'll see much of Scotland mind, it being your honeymoon and such,' Tom remarked off the cuff, earning him a shove in the back from Sybil.
'Anyway, we have the bar for another couple of hours, so please help yourself,' John gestured to the barman trying to look busy by polishing the beer taps in front of him. He was usually used to bigger parties than this. 'I've made sure we can have a bit of music too.'
Conversation spread throughout the room then, Joseph, Tom and Matthew making their way to the bar to put an order in, Charles and Robert close behind. Mary and Sybil walked over to the music system in the corner of the room, looking through the CD's piled next to it, Phyllis, Cora and Elsie were locked in their own discussion at the table.
'Are you happy then?' John asked Anna, placing an arm on the back of her chair and turning to face her.
'More than I can ever remember being,' Anna answered sincerely, holding John's gaze as he smiled at her. Their silent link was interrupted by two very happy five year olds.
'Mummy, can me and Madison have a fruit shoot from the bar?' Milo appeared behind Anna's chair, Madison in close pursuit.
'Sure you can Baby, but I don't have any money on me at the moment.' She turned her head to John. 'I don't suppose you've got anything.'
'Oh I see,' John said sarcastically, reaching into his back pocket for his wallet. 'Married five minutes and already after my money.'
'Ha ha,' Anna gently pushed John's shoulder as he found a five pound note.
Madison took the money from her father's grasp before he had a chance to blink. 'Thanks Daddy.'
'Hang on little one, you might have to ask Uncle Robert to get that for…' his voice trailed off as Madison and Milo ran towards the bar. 'Never mind.'
'So what's on the menu for tonight then, Mr Bates?'
John edged closer to his wife once more. 'Well Mrs Bates, I have booked us the bridal suite here.'
'Very nice,' Anna wrapped her fingers around John's. 'And how will we get to Loch Lomond?'
'We'll have Robert's car. He will drive everyone back in the minibus, your Mum and Dad will take the kids, have them tomorrow night then Robert and Cora will take over.'
'You've thought of everything.'
'I just wanted it all to be perfect for you.'
Anna turned her attentions to John's tie, straightening the knot. 'As I have said before, I'd rather have the right man, than the right wedding.'
John narrowed his gaze on Anna, a slight smirk on his lips. 'And have you found him?'
Anna nodded her head, a beaming smile on her face as she leant towards John, pressing her lips to his in a brief kiss. She moved away, John's eyes still closed as she whispered, 'I definitely have.'
John and Anna had left Milo and Madison happy in the company of their guests, Matthew and Tom teaching them how to play pool on the table in the communal bar at the hotel. However, this wasn't before they had spent a moment alone with their children, explaining how happy they were to officially be a family and promising Milo, if he wanted it, that when they came home they would sort out changing his surname to Bates as well.
'It's this way, I think.' Leading Anna by the hand from the lift, John looked at the number on the key he was holding before walking down the corridor towards the bridal suite. They came to a stop outside a door, John quickly checking the number on the door correlated with the number on the key. 'Here we go.'
'I've just had a thought,' Anna said, watching as John placed the key in the lock. 'Our stuff. Changes of clothes and what have you?'
'Ahh yes, about that…'
John opened the door and stepped aside to allow Anna to walk in the room. He walked in slowly behind, Anna's reaction deeming it obvious the girls had followed his instructions. He had asked Mary and Sybil to sneak into the bridal suite earlier with two bags he had packed for himself and Anna, plus to light candles to set the atmosphere for them. There was also a gift bag sitting on the bed, something John hadn't an idea about.
'Oh John, did you organise this?'
'I did,' John said as he shut the door. Anna walked towards the bed, reaching for the tag on the gift bag and reading it. A smile illuminated her features, John intrigued as to what the tag said. 'Who is that from?'
'Cora, Mary and Sybil,' Anna replied, looking inside the bag and glimpsing a flash of black beneath the tissue paper wrapping whatever the gift was. 'Something for me to wear and the both of us to enjoy.'
Humming his approval, John closed the gap between them. 'Do you mind if we save that for later? I've arranged for us to have some champagne on the balcony.'
'Mr Bates, all that champagne I drank downstairs. More champagne up here.' Anna ran her fingers down the lapels of John's jacket. 'If I didn't know better I'd say you were trying to get me drunk.'
'I just thought we could carry on the reception up here for a bit longer,' John replied, shrugging his jacket from his shoulders and resting it on the end of the bed. He clasped Anna's hand in his and lead her to the balcony. She was laughing and it was music to John's ears.
Once on the balcony, both were stunned into silenced as they glanced at what was ahead of them. John moved behind Anna, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his head on her shoulder. The light from the moon reflected off the lake beneath them. It was so peaceful, both felt as if they were the only two people on Earth. Which, as far as John was concerned, they were for the next few hours.
'I'm so glad to be sharing this moment with you,' Anna breathed, leaning the back of her body into John's front. He gasped, leaving an open mouthed kiss on her shoulder.
'Well, I'm hoping you still feel that way when I suggest to you what I had in mind.'
She felt John's touch leave her, and looked over her shoulder to see what he was doing. A small CD player she hadn't noticed was in the middle of the table, next to an ice bucket containing a bottle of champagne and two glass flutes. John pressed a couple of buttons on the CD player, and in the next moment Anna heard the song that meant so much with them come from the speakers. The one she had walked up the aisle to earlier on in the day.
Lifting his head, John looked at Anna before mimicking the voice of a DJ. 'Ladies and Gentleman, please welcome the new Mr and Mrs Bates onto the floor for their first dance.'
Giggling as John moved towards her with his arms outstretched, Anna allowed John to take her into his embrace. She rested her hands at the top of his arms, placing her head on his shoulder. His arms were securely around her waist, and Anna had never felt as safe as she did in this moment.
'You looked absolutely stunning today,' John whispered into the stillness of the early evening. 'That moment I first saw you, I'll never forget it.'
'I woke up this morning half the woman I am now, now I am your wife. It's the best thing that's ever happened to me, Milo aside of course.'
'You're incredible,' Anna felt John shake his head as he continued to move them slowly, in time to the music. 'I still don't believe you're my wife.'
Leaning back, Anna looked deeply into John's eyes. She was looking at him like she never had before, John sucking in a breath as he waited for her to speak. 'Believe.'
The slightest of smiles ghosted on his lips, then John felt Anna's mouth upon his. With the privacy they now found themselves in, John felt more comfortable to deepen the kiss for the first time today, sweeping his tongue along her bottom lip. Anna allowed him to continue, groaning slightly as the atmosphere between them turned more passionate.
The music continued to play on around them as they kissed. Anna already knew she'd never want this night to end. As the first song ended, another one started, a song that ignited a slightly less happy memory between the pair.
'I remember the last time we danced to this song,' Anna murmured, her mouth still close to John's. 'At Downton Abbey. The last night we had together before I went to New York.'
Inhaling a deep breath, John listened harder to the song. He had put the play list together, but after the kiss he had just shared with his new wife, he was struggling to focus on anything but her.
'So how can I say, can I say goodbye? We both have our dreams, we both want to fly. So let's take tonight, to carry us through, the lonely times…'
'Ahh yes,' John recognised the song, his tone gently mocking the woman in his arms. 'Well, let's see if things turn out differently this time. I love you, Anna.'
She smirked, understanding what John was getting at. 'I love you too, John.'
'Oh good. I suddenly don't mind this song so much anymore.'
Playfully hitting him on the shoulder, both descended into laughter as they began to move to the music again. 'Do you know how much I wanted to tell you I loved you that night? I had known for so long before that.'
'It's okay, you don't have to explain to me. I understand why you did what you did.'
'Well all that is in the past, it doesn't matter anymore. We're together now.'
'And you're not running away this time.'
'No. Definitely not.'
Their gaze locked on each other, and John moved to resume the kiss they had been sharing moments previously. However it was different, the kiss affecting John in a way he knew he wouldn't be able to hide this time.
'God Anna, you never fail to get to me,' he revealed breathlessly. 'Every single time. I don't think you'll ever stop making me feel this way.'
'Ready for bed, Mr Bates?' John didn't need to speak, the expression on his face told Anna everything she needed to know. 'Shall we save the champagne for later?'
'Whatever you want,' John replied, allowing Anna to lead him back inside. Once they were inside, John kissed her again. Anna could feel John trying to unzip her dress and all of a sudden she remembered the gift bag on the bed.
'Hang on,' Anna pulled away, John's groan of disappointment filling the air. 'Why don't I see what the surprise for both of us in the bag is?'
Looking over her shoulder, John eyed the bag. He raised his eyebrows. 'Now, what a fine idea that is.'
He released Anna from his hold, allowing her to take the bag in her grasp. She offered him a sultry look over her shoulder. 'I won't be a minute, make yourself comfortable.'
Darting his tongue out of his mouth to lick his lips, John nodded his head, watching Anna take a coat hanger from the wardrobe for her dress before she disappeared into the bathroom. He walked to the wardrobe and removed a coat hanger himself. John undid his tie first, feeling relief as he unfastened his top button. His waistcoat followed, he hanging that on the hanger first before placing his jacket over the top of it, leaving him in his dress shirt and trousers. His hands were trembling as he hung the garments in the wardrobe, in anticipation of what was to come.
Looking over towards the dresser, John walked there and toed his shoes off, kicking them under the chair. In his reflection in the mirror, he caught sight of his wedding band, his hands gripping the back of the chair. The wedding band Anna had given him. He felt a flutter in his stomach. Anna was his wife. That notion showed no signs of never sending shivers careening down his spine..
Placing his hands in his pockets, John turned to look outside and walked towards the balcony doors. He hadn't realised the music was still playing, the Westlife song had ended and the CD had moved onto something or other by Ed Sheeran, John knowing Anna liked him. He decided to leave the music on, it might add a touch of ambience to the evening.
The click of the bathroom door caused John to turn around almost immediately. However, nothing could have prepared him for the vision before him. John felt his mouth go dry as he ran his gaze over Anna's form, from head to toe. She was wearing a black baby doll silk negligee, the material finishing mid thigh and leaving little to John's imagination. It was then he saw the garter, and that was it. Game over. He had to have her.
Anna felt so warm under John's intense glare, and so elegant in the undergarments that had been chosen for her. They were having the desired effect she noticed, as John's eyes turned darker by the second. He never failed to make her feel wanted, to make her feel like she was the only woman in the world.
Without a word, John crossed the room towards Anna and took her in his embrace, covering her lips with his own. It didn't take long for them to find themselves on the marital bed, Anna having made short work of John's shirt and trousers. Any thoughts of propriety were forgotten, the clothes landing on the floor with a gentle thud in contrast to the rest of his suit hanging neatly in the wardrobe.
He was cradled between Anna's thighs, their kisses become more intense with each passing second. Both knew this time wouldn't take too long, but they had the whole night, and neither intended on getting much sleep. Bunching the black silk at Anna's waist with trembling hands, she lifted her upper body from the bed so John could remove the garment. Her breasts were revealed to him, John placing soft kisses upon her skin as he threw the silk on the floor to join his shirt and trousers. She was still wearing a black thong, edged with lace, and the garter, unable to do anything but growl appreciatively at the flawless woman beneath his touch.
'You are one sexy woman, Mrs Bates,' John rasped, grinding his hips against Anna's. He ran a hand down her thigh, his fingers coming into contact with the garter.
'You can take it off if you'd like,' Anna whispered, but John shook his head.
'No, I like it but we might have to lose these.' John moved his hand back up to Anna's underwear, tugging on the waistband. Anna rose her hips off the bed, allowing John to remove them. He pressed his lips to the soft curls he found beneath, emanating a soft groan from Anna. John took off his own underwear before trailing kisses higher up Anna's body.
'Never had much faith in love or miracles, never want to put my heart on the line…'
Anna began to giggle, John lifting his head from kissing her neck to find out what was so funny. He tickled her ribs, her reaction causing her naked form to rub delightfully against his, heightening his arousal.
'What is it?' he asked, meeting her eyes with his.
'This song. I just remember you singing it to me in much similar circumstances to those we find ourselves in now.'
Again, John had to listen closely to recognise it, lost in his wife as he was. 'Ahh yes, I remember.'
Taking Anna by surprise, John began to breach her folds, pushing himself gently within her. She felt the air leave her lungs as he did so, this moment between them never failing to take her breath away. He stilled his movements once he had joined them, looking for clarification he hadn't just overstepped the mark.
'Is this alright, sweetheart?'
'Yes,' she murmured, gripping tightly to his shoulders.
The sensation of John moving within her was almost too much to take, and then Anna heard him singing along to the most risqué lyrics in the whole song, and it affected her even more.
'Cause your sex takes me to paradise, yeah your sex takes me to paradise…'
'And it shows,' Anna joined in, John smiling as he heard her voice. 'Yeah, yeah yeah…'
The sensation of being together in this way overtook them then as John drove them both to their pleasure for the first time as man and wife. Hands moved here, there and everywhere, neither could get enough of the other. As they came together, John collapsed against Anna, their laboured breathing harmonising in the air around them the only sound now the music outside had finished.
'Did you put that CD together on purpose?' Anna asked, finally breaking the silence after a few minutes, the two of them still connected.
'Perhaps,' John whispered into her ear. 'That was incredible.'
'It always is,' Anna sighed happily, tangling her fingers in the hair at John's neck. They shared one last kiss before John made to move away from Anna. He pulled her into his embrace, the night well and truly upon them now as darkness bathed the room.
'I've been waiting for this moment,' John said softly against Anna's hair, 'to hold my wife in my arms.'
'Hmm,' Anna agreed, playing with the hair on John's chest. 'we've got three more days of this. I love the kids dearly, but it will be nice to spend some time just the two of us.'
'Yes,' John nodded his head. 'But we'll Skype them tomorrow night, right?'
'Definitely. I'll be missing them too much by then not to.'
A/2- Hope that wasn't too long winded. Songs featured were Lay Me Down by Sam Smith / John Legend, Queen Of My Heart by Westlife and Locked Out Of Heaven by Bruno Mars.
